More news on Samuel Wanjiru

There have been some up dates on the untimely death of Samuel Wanjiru last sunday. It seems that in fact it was not an intentional suicide. Some reports say that Sammy jumped from the balcony to get away from his wife because he was found cheating with another woman. So it in fact may have been that Samuel was trying to run away from his wife from a domestic dispute and there was a terrible accident. These domestic problems did not start that day though. There was a story from earlier in the year that Samuel had been arrested for threatening his wife with an illegal firearm. It is still not 100% certain that Samuel's death was an accident, but rather a homicide committed by his wife. Chances are though that it was a terrible accident. May Samuel Wanjiru, the skilled, young marathoner of Kenya, rest in peace.

Samuel Wanjiru pronounced dead

Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya was found dead earlier today and the news has gotten out to the public within the last hour. Sammy had fallen from a balcony, it is believed to be suicide. Medics attempted to revive him but it was too late. He was 24 years old. This is very terrible, unexpected and tragic news. I wish the best for his family and loved ones. Samuel Wanjiru wan the Marathon at the Beijing Olympics and set an olympic record for a time of 2:06:32. Samuel holds the world record for the half marathon for a time of 58:33. This is very surprising and unfortunate news. Sammy was very young and had so much potential. The story was just released so there are only minor details and we will most likely get the full story very soon. I have many questions as to why this happend, but until we figure out all the details, may Samuel Wanjiru rest in peace.

Athlete Spotlight: Asafa Powell

Asafa Powell. The next Jamaican powerhouse after Usain Bolt. Asafa is one of the world record holders for the 4x100m. He ran the anchor leg at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 for an overall time good enough for the Gold and the world record. video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KIlkrVZb-g. The entire line up for the jamaican team was Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell. Usain did not run the anchor leg in the race. Although he was not missed on that leg, Asafa Powell had a stunning performance, he just flew down the back stretch and destroyed the final leg like he was a machine. Asafa placed third in the 100 meter final behind Usain Bolt and Tyson gay of the U.S. I have heard that Asafa doesnt have as good of a start and runs better when he is alone (like on the anchor to his 4x100). He is very fast and is occasionally underappreciated because he stands behind the glory of Usain Bolt. Although he is without a doubt one of the top three best 100 meter runners nowadays.

Muscle pain and Soreness

As you all know muscle soreness can cause a strain on your day. Runners and everyone else have gone through muscle strain and soreness before, and we all know it sucks. What I use and recommend is Biofreeze (or a similar numbing product like Bengay or Tiger Balm). First keep a cold pack on the area or soreness for a good 10 minutes then apply Biofreeze. Let the Biofreeze stay for 30 minutes then begin to massage and stretch the area of soreness. After about an hour as the Biofreeze begins to wear off apply heating pad for a good 20 minutes. If pain continues try taking an Advil or Tylenol and repeating all steps. Another method I suggest specifically for leg soreness is "The Stick". "The Stick" is a muscle roller that really gets down deep and rolls out soreness. I believe "The Stick" can be used on other parts of the body although it is primarily used for the leg muscles. Hopefully these methods can help you with sore muscles.

Question: Do you get sore muscles? What do you do to treat them?

Running Companies

Nowadays there is a lot of competition in the running industry. It is a large and very profitable industry from the fact that such a wide range of people use running products. High school and pro competitors to occasional joggers. Companies like Asics, Nike, Saucony, Puma, Reebok and Adidas compete with each other. Considering track and running is not an official "Professional" sport companies can make large amounts of money from sponsoring certain athletes who compete in a marathon like Hailie Gebreselassie, or in a sprint event in the Olympics like Usain Bolt. The overall powerhouse of all the companies is Nike. Nike has the most money and invests unimaginable amounts into improving their products. Nike also has the best overall sponsors and commercial appeal. Although Nike has the best overall sponsored athletes they dont get all of them. Usain Bolt remains the only athlete Puma sponsors in Track. Puma invested all they could to get Bolt. The investment has most likely been profitable. My favorite company is Nike, their running shoes are without a doubt the best of any other company in style and overall feel. Their running apparel is also very innovative and unique also. There is just this feeling that comes over me that when I buy a Nike product that I have made the right choice. From the amount of money Nike makes and invests on its' products. Question: What is your favorite running shoe or general shoe company? Nike? Adidas? Puma?

Vibram 5 fingers

The Vibram 5 fingers are a new minimalist shoe that is the craze of many runners nowadays. The Vibram is known as the closest shoe nowadays to the feel of barefoot running. Runners from all around like them for its feel when you hit the ground with each step and the freedom of motion they give you. There are various different models of Vibram's, although runners have found that the Vibram KSO's fit their needs best, although there are many other types of models for outdoor and recreational needs. I myself own a pair and I think it is a very unique shoe, I dont run in them too often but they are very cool and feel good. Check out http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm to learn more. The Vibram five fingers are a creative innovation in modern day running. Question: What do you think of this shoe?

Nike Free running commercial

I apologize for not blogging recently. Nike has made a commercial advertising the Nike Free running shoe. The commercial features many of Americas best runners like Nick Symmonds, Kara Goucher and Lauren Fleshman. The commercial shows all of these athletes running naked at the "Bear Butte running camp" to promote the new free and barfoot like feeling of Nike's new shoe. The video is very funny and I suggest you check it out. you may need a youtube account to verify you are 18 years of age because the video was flagged. Question: What did you think of the commercial? would you buy this shoe?